Legal Definitions - objective impossibility

Objective impossibility refers to a situation where something cannot occur, exist, or be done due to external factors beyond the control of the individual. This term is often used in the context of contracts and criminal law.

• If a contractor agrees to build a house for a client, but the house burns down before construction can begin, it would be objectively impossible for the contractor to fulfill their obligation.
• If a person agrees to deliver a package to a recipient, but a natural disaster makes it impossible to reach the destination, it would be objectively impossible for the person to fulfill their obligation.
• In criminal law, if a person attempts to steal from an empty wallet, it would be factually impossible to commit the crime, and therefore not a defense.

These examples illustrate how objective impossibility can excuse performance or prevent the commission of a crime due to circumstances beyond the control of the individual.